NCJ Number
154392
Date Published
1995
Length
128 pages
Annotation
This book discusses the problem of juveniles gangs and how gang violence affects everyone in terms of personal risk and rising juvenile justice system costs.
Abstract
The book discusses the historical development of gangs in the U.S., beginning with early gangs in New York City, the affiliation of gangs with the union movement, gangs in the Midwest, Mexican gangs of the Southwest, and recent developments across the country. Another chapter discusses the organization of different types of gangs, many of which evolved through shared cultural and ethnic ties, such as Vietnamese and South Asian gangs, Mexican-American gangs, Black gangs, and skinheads. Girls often join gangs to fulfill certain roles. Factors that draw youth to gang involvement include poverty, racism, peer pressure, lack of opportunity, and protection. Gang life is described here in terms of graffiti and monikers, gang identification, communication, leadership, fighting, and life outside the gang. Gangs are involved in many types of criminal behavior, including violent crime and drug-related offenses. The book describes some community and educational programs that might break the cycle of gang violence. Chapter references